Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name

In this comprehensive historical account, historian David Buerge explores the life of Chief Seattle against the backdrop of significant upheaval in the Pacific Northwest from the 1780s to the 1860s. Buerge draws on a variety of sources, including native oral histories and pioneer diaries, to depict Chief Seattle's journey from a war leader to a proponent of peace and integration, advocating for intermarriage between Native Americans and settlers. The narrative also touches upon pivotal events, such as treaty signings and the Battle at Seattle, highlighting the complexities of his legacy in the face of encroaching American settlement.